2015 The Journey Home
30th June 2015
Very hot today 34c – we finished last minute packing and set off about 10.30am. We drove down to say goodbye to Dimitris at Brouklis, and Yiota who had very kindly baked us a Cheese pie for our trip, there were also some gifts for Larissa and Archie. Then back up to the Marvel to say goodbye to the boys and Alison. We drove over to Ipsos to have lunch with Terry and Loretta, also Terry's brother, who had arrived this morning and his Mum Betty. We had lunch at Sally's bar again, the burgers are wonderful, especially mine served with Black pudding. We set off about 6pm and sailed across to Igouminister for the 2am ferry to Ancona. We had a great sail in our pet friendly cabin.
1st July 2015
We docked at 4pm and drove up to just north of Modena, it was very hot in the van, all we wanted to do was have lots of cold drinks. We settled down for the night looking forward to seeing Lake Garda tomorrow.
2nd July 2015
We decided to go anti clockwise around the lake, and saw some beautiful villages and views. Having said that I would not want to spend time there as there are no beaches to speak of, especially dog friendly ones.
We stopped off for lunch and then carried on to stay the night between Turin and Milan. Another hot night! I got bitten, not mossys, they were midges, vicious little blighters, 12 bites on my left arm and several more on the right one, and this was while I was outside walking Poppy.. All I can say is thank goodness we fitted insect screens in the van last winter. I took a double dose of antihistamine tonight.
3rd July 2015
We set off and drove up to the top of the alps, fantastic scenery around here, and saw a little bit of snow.
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Phil and Poppy |
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Lago del Moncenisi |
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Alpine flower |
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Lago del Moncenisi |
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Snow |
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So peaceful |
It was a fantastic drive until we came down the alps. When we got to the bottom there was a very pretty ski village, with chalets and log cabins, complete with cable car stations, all deserted it must just be a Winter resort. Well when we got to the bottom the brakes failed, it was a scary moment, but I didn't panic, just pulled the handbrake on and then Phil explained to me about using second gear. I had never driven an automatic before we got Mercy, and he said it is simple just put it in 'D' and go, so I did and never wondered what 'L' and '2' were for, but I know now. We sat for half an hour for the wheels to cool down and then the brakes were fine all the way home. We spent another very hot night just near Lyon.
4th July 2015
We decided we had had enough of hot nights, we decided to head straight to my cousins today. It was a beautiful drive through some very pretty French towns, but the nicest one was Tarera, they even put the bunting out for us, we think it must have been due to the fact it was 4th July.
We arrived at St-Sulpice Lauriere to a warm welcome from Maggie, Paul, Sarah, Steve and Maya.
Poppy was so pleased to be there and went charging around the garden and was covered in little burs, they attached themselves to her fur and it took days for us to remove them all.
They plied us with water first and then wine. After our showers we had a BBQ, Steve is a great cook and had done Chicken breast and figs, they were gorgeous. Also he barbequed a Camembert cheese, we dipped our French bread into it. We sat talking until the small hours and went to bed full and winefied. I really should not have taken this photo in my inebriated state!
5th July 2015
We had a long lie in today, after breakfast Phil fired up his laptop and he and Paul sat and watched the British Grand Prix – live. They were very happy bunnies. Maggie and I sat and chatted out in the garden. We had another BBQ this evening and lots of excellent wine. Another late night!
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They are such good hosts. |
6th July 2015
We went to the vets today. all good – so Poppy is clear to travel back to the UK. Maggie and I had to restock the wine rack. then we returned for a welcome dip in the pool. Followed by lots of chat and reminiscing, before we knew it. it was 11pm and we had forgotten to eat, Chip butties all round. more chat and wine. bed at 2am – bet Maggie and Paul will be pleased to see the back of us. so they can get back to their idyllic laid back French life.
7th July 2015
Girly day, we left the fellers at home and went off shopping and for lunch. We were so hot when we got home, we all went straight in the pool with a glass of wine. Paul cooked lunch for him and Phil, so tonight we had baguettes and four different kinds of cheese, with the obligatory wine, We were led astray again.
8th July 2015
Right today was moving on day, we just could not stay in France with our hosts any longer. Paul has changed from his t-total state, Maggie has lost her voice from talking so much. These late nights are killing us all….very slowly. Seriously it has been wonderful, they are such good company. We have had loads of laughs, food and booze and we cant wait to come back (snigger, snigger) – not too soon though, we all have to recover first. Thanks so much for everything all of you – especially Sarah for being our driver yesterday. We drove North and stayed at Aire de Ressons, a lovely picnic ground at Ressons-sur-Matz, it is just near Picardy. We would love to explore this region more. The song Roses of Picardy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8Ex9epoVP4&sns=fb tells the story of a WW1 British soldier who fell in love with a French girl.
9th July 2015
Today we drove into Belgium and parked up at the Marina next to Blankenberg beach for lunch. We did some wine shopping before entering the Port at Zeebrugge. We boarded MV Pride of York for our trip back to Hull.
10th July 2015
We docked at 9.30am and drove back to Grimsby just in time for our Tesco delivery. We went to see Larissa and Archie this afternoon. He has grown so much and now weighs 13lb 4oz. We had lots of cuddles
We stayed and had a Chinese meal this evening and then home to our own comfy bed.
What an amazing trip we have had this year, a totally different start and end journey to last year, the middle part in Arillas was wonderful. We will be doing 'Arillas or Bust' again next year all being well and will try to find some new places to visit. Well this is us 3, Anne, Phil and Poppy signing off and thanking you very much for being interested enough to read of our adventures. We covered approx. 2700 miles.